Finding Greatness: KeShawn Hurst

As he prepares to graduate, MGA education major KeShawn Hurst is aiming high with a long-term goal to become a county school superintendent.

Full Name: KeShawn Jartavious Hurst.

Age: 22.

Hometown & Residence: Dublin.

High School: “I graduated from East Laurens High School in 2015. I was in the marching band for five years, playing the tuba. I served as the band captain my senior year. I was part of the wrestling team my junior and senior years. I was also a member of the Beta Club, Skills USA club, and Sources of Strength, among others.”

Family: “My parents are Donny Hurst, LaShondra Dudley, and Michael Dudley. I have two brothers, RaShad and Jeremiah. I have three sisters, DeShauna Hurst, Amaya Adams, and Nashira Hurst. Other family members are my aunts and an uncle, and my lovely grandparents, Pastor James Bell and Claretha Bell.”

Employment: “I worked part-time at TAGS Educational Services, LLC, in Dublin under the management of Toni Sampson.”

Activities: “While attending MGA I have served as a resident assistant and been a part of Kappa Delta Pi and the Future Educators Club.”

Career Goals: “I plan to graduate in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Special Education. I want to work in the Laurens County School System as a fourth or fifth grade teacher. After completing my first year of teaching, I plan to further my education and teaching career by obtaining a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Eventually I want to earn my education specialist degree and doctorate to help me with my goals of becoming a school principal and later a superintendent of a county school district. Or maybe even a state school superintendent!”

He chose Middle Georgia State University because … “Middle Georgia State met all of my requirements. I didn’t have to drive far and I could stay close to my family and work a part-time job. MGA is giving me the opportunity to obtain a four-year degree in the field I have chosen.”

The greatest thing he discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The greatness of the education program and the supportive professors. They don’t just support me in the classroom but they help in other ways, like writing recommendations for me. I am grateful for the time and commitment that MGA professors give to students. Also, Middle Georgia State offers so many clubs, organizations, and activities where I’ve been able to meet some awesome staff.”

His greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “Passing the GACE, for one thing, but also the education program in general. Being enrolled in this program has really broadened my knowledge of what it will take to become an effective teacher. It’s challenging but will be very rewarding at the end. The professors have pushed me to go beyond what I thought my limits were.”

To him, “greatness” means … “Going beyond your limits. If you don’t push beyond your limits, you will never know what you are really capable of achieving. My grandfather always told me that if I want to be great, I must meet the requirements of being great and have faith.”

In five years … “I'll have reached my goal of working in the Laurens County School System and pursuing advanced degrees. I hope to be an effective role model for young men and help them develop leadership skills and go far in life. Also, I am a minister at my church so I plan to be furthering my ministry under the leadership of my pastor. Of course, I plan to be married and building a family.”